"Bright Future" Parts: I, II, III, IV and V

[FallenKnight]

*Baron Piett is sitting in his office at "The Sage Tower", Jarrow Island. On his personal computer he was reading the message sent to him by Thomas - Oracle Three Winds. He wrote down a quick respond and then he opens a file named "Top Secret: Nano Protection Technologies" and scrolls up the multiple images of armor types until reaching the one he was looking for. Doctor Lydia was present at the office but was paying attention to her notepad when suddenly...*

Jarrow: I think the prototype of NPT-VX we created will suit me well in this mission. What is your opinion, doctor?
Lydia: Frankly I believe exposing yourself would be dangerous enough even after the precautions we've taken. But yes...I agree this model, even if only a prototype, is the best we can spare at the moment, considering your request.
Jarrow: What is the quantity of these armors we have in reserve?
Lydia: Well, *checking on her notepad* two - by counting the prototype of course. Both are outdated models, in comparison to your armor.
Jarrow: That is a risk I am willing to take. Order the preparations to be set. I will be arriving shortly.
Lydia: *fixing her glasses* Very well, Laboratory 11 will be ready in 15 minutes.

NPT-VX Prototype armor.

*Jarrow closes to the huge window behind his desk and silently observes the falling lightnings, created by the storm outside. Several minutes later he goes to Lab 11.*

*"The Sage Tower" was the secret laboratory located at the top of the small palace on Jarrow Island. There its scientists were currently assisting doctor Lydia in changing the armor of Baron Piett. Due to his multiple public appearances his current armor has become a "mark" that could easily describe who was the person inside. Because of that it was ordered the "mark" to be removed until the upcoming mission was complete. In this way anyone that could see or hear him would not recognize his true self, because the Baron have not removed his helmet in public for nearly three years. The change was painless and took half an hour to be complete.*

*Doctor Lydia types the commands on her notepad to shut down the robotic assistants of the laboratory*

Lydia: Everything was performed flawlessly. You may find this mask uncomfortable but it will allow you to breathe normally and...it makes you look like an outcast. To be honest, you look like these cardmine traders from the black market. *she smiles*
Jarrow: As long as I don't look like the man I was...my appearance is irrelevant.
Lydia: *checks her notepad* My Lord, captain Robinson just informed me that your ship is ready. The Templar you've requested is located in Royal Sovereign's main hangar.
Jarrow: Excellent. Doctor, you may return to your research projects.
Lydia: I will, just...we are expecting you to return unharmed. Stay safe. *she quickly leaves the room*

Lord Jarrow in his new suit of armor

*Lord Jarrow raises his hands to grasp the hood of the prototype armor. He covers his face with it. Afterwards he takes the corridor leading to one of the landing platforms, where a shuttle was already waiting for his arrival. Few hours later the shuttle docks inside Royal Sovereign where captain Robinson was expecting the Baron.*

Robinson: Baron Piett, the ship you've requested,the "Claymore" is over there in Hangar side 3. I've arranged the modifications you required and the tests confirmed there are no issues with any of the systems.
Jarrow: Good work, captain. Let us head towards the spot we've discussed early today.
Robinson: I've already set the course. We will be there in few minutes.

*Cortez System, C4 - Royal Sovereign cloaking device shuts down. Its main hangar doors opens and a "Templar" class bretonian fighter is departing. It's setting course towards Coronado jump hole and disappears from the scanners of the battleship*

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Barrier Gate Station, Coronado.

*Baron Piett has reached Barrier Gate Station. He was looking for an outcast that could assist him to get to planet Malta and if possible - to drive him to the Temple of the Oracles. He spent a day on the station but there were no candidates that could earn his trust. Thomas told him that EL would be at the temple for few days, so he decides to go on his own and not lose precious time. He proceeds to the hangar bay where his "Templar" was located and sets off from the station.*

*Luckily, the paths of Light proved once again to be clear, for those looking to walk upon them. An oracle was spotted in the vicinity of the station*

Oracle|Prophet: Greetings.
"Claymore": What a nice coincidence. Another member of the Light - just when you need him.

*Jarrow switches to secured channel where both of them could talk undisturbed*

"Claymore": How do they call you, oracle?
Oracle|Prophet: Some know me as Overlord Jared Nomak. Some know me as Prophet. And what do you seek?
"Claymore": Exarch Three Winds have invited me to your temple at Malta.
Oracle|Prophet: I see.
"Claymore": He is my teacher in the path of Light which I recently agreed to follow.
Oracle|Prophet: A student, hm. Good. There are many paths to walk trough. We will bring them to you.
"Claymore": I hope I can trust you this discussion wont reach anyone ears but the oracles alone.
Oracle|Prophet: *he sighs*
"Claymore": *coughs* Have I disturbed you?
Oracle|Prophet: My purpose, that I serve. Is higher than you will ever imagine. I'm a "man" of trust. How I can help you?
"Claymore": Forgive my human emotions - doubt is something I relay on in my life - to maintain my profile intact. I don't trust people easily but to you, I know I can.
Oracle|Prophet: I see.
"Claymore": Going to the temple of Malta would be a long trip...dangerous as well. If you could escort me there, would be more than I can ask for.
Oracle|Prophet: I can provide you security. Exarch assigned me as their hunter and agent. I travel everywhere. As you can see, I am given some special technology in order to do my purpose. Therefore, I can accompany you to Malta, but I cannot stay there.
"Claymore": Why are you unable to stay on Malta? Intel suggest you are honored beings there. Or is that wrong?
Oracle|Prophet: Currently, I'm residing here. I'm securing the perimeter from some, individuals. Perhaps, you've heard of Auxesia Battle-group.
"Claymore": Sadly no...the war with Gallia have diminished our BIS affairs...our intelligence suffer greatly.
Oracle|Prophet: Battle-group Auxesia are ex Core agents. They are forming alliance with Ghosts of Razgriz and exiled Maltese. In order to brake current administration of Malta.
"Claymore": Core...Order...they are all the same. Without understanding of the bigger image - Co-existence with the Spirits.
Oracle|Prophet: As you may know, there is Ancient Gate here. I'm it's Keeper.
"Claymore": My scanners indicated the gate but it is impossible for me to activate it. Where does it leads?
Oracle|Prophet: It's a home system to other people like me. Agents, Keepers. I cannot give you out too much.
"Claymore": Unknown pilot arriving...we better move on.
Oracle|Prophet: Let me escort you to Malta.
"Claymore": *nods* Then let us proceed.

*An hour later somewhere around Tau-23*

Freeport 10, Tau-37.

Oracle|Prophet:...and do not worry. Exarch has shared me his words on you. While residing Malta, watch where are you going. Green cloud is restricted.
"Claymore": Meeting you is an honor. The paths of the Light are unpredictable and yet - simple and clean.
Oracle|Prophet: Yes, meeting you is honor too. Now, I wonder. Does the administration of Malta knows about your arrival?
"Claymore": Probably not...unless Three Winds told them to expect me. Would be better to arrive as a normal friendly agent to the Maltese nation checking "old friends".
Oracle|Prophet: Hm. We will need to stop in Tau-37. I will need official word from Exarch in order to proceed.
"Claymore": As you command. I will follow.
Oracle|Prophet: Hopefully, it won't take long to recieve answer.
"Claymore": Hopefully mother Saturnia is not going to ascend before I arrive to meet her. Master Thomas told me there is little time left.
Oracle|Prophet: Indeed. So, how exactly you will do what you intend.
"Claymore": Well, my ...position is going to allow that. Jared...tell me, do you have a seer stone in your posession?
Oracle|Prophet: Not at the moment. What is your name?
"Claymore": Baron Piett, Lord of Jarrow - minister of defence of House Bretonia, KBE.
Oracle|Prophet: Impressive. Well Baron, you will have to stay at Freeport 10.
"Claymore": Call me J...we need not to blow off my cover.

*Few minutes later Tau-37, E5*

Oracle|Prophet: Contact the bartender and tell that Jared sent you. He will know what to do. You will get an apartment and equipment.
"Claymore": Understood.
Oracle|Prophet: I need to go back. Farewell, and keep low profile until Exarch contacts you.
"Claymore": Thank you Jared. May the Light guide your path.
Oracle|Prophet: Same to you. Safe skies.

*Traffic control alert: "Claymore" has requested to dock at Freeport 10*

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The folder from apartment 323

*Lord Jarrow docks his "Templar" in hangar bay 3 at Freeport 10. He goes straight to the bar and asks for the bartender.*

Jarrow: Good day, come closer... I have to ask you something in private.
Bartender: Hola! How can I be of assistance, senior?
Jarrow: Jared Nomak sent me.

*The bartender grins revealing few golden teeth. He pulls out dozens of key cards from his pocket and mumbles something on himself*

Bartender: Aha...there it is. Take this card senior and go to apartment cell 323. Inside you will find, well...whatever is necessary. *chuckles*
Jarrow: Thank you. Here something for the trouble *nudges 500 credits*
Bartender: *places the credits in his pocket* Muchas gracias, senior!

*Jarrow takes the key card and goes to apartment 323. In the room, on the bed, he finds a folder with the symbol of the Maltese nation. Inside the folder there are Outcast documents and ship activation key card with name "CQL-Gen I "Gladius" Maltese Light Fighter". The ship was stored at hangar bay 1. Jarrow took off his hood and sits down on the side lounge below the window. The space outside was illuminated with cyan light, giving the feeling of being on a planet instead on a space station. The phenomenon got the attention of Jarrow for several minutes before he falls asleep, dreaming of his bright future*

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Discovery Bridges[Feedback] Baron Piett[Biography]